Nilsson dropped Elyssa off at the front door and drove the car onward to the garage. Skipping up the steps, Elyssa opened the door and carefully shut it behind her before hurrying down the hall towards the kitchen. Once inside, she dropped her bag and headed towards the fridge, humming quietly.
Gasping, she whirled around to find Anthony sitting at the table, his eyes glinting with amusement. With a hand clasped over her heart, she smiled weakly. Hi, Anthony.Jumpy much?
Elyssa rolled her eyes. How was your day? she asked, pulling open the fridge and leaning in slightly to get a good look at her choices.
Okay. How was school?School's school, she muttered absently, trying to decide between a sandwich and a bowl of fruit salad. Choosing the fruit, she pulled out the freshly cut pieces that Nilsson always had ready and a small carton of vanilla soy yogurt. Grabbing a bowl and a spoon, she joined Anthony at the table.
What did you do all day? she asked, sliding pieces of fruit into the bowl.
Anthony watched for a moment before answering. Nothing really. Mostly I was just wasting time.That's too bad, she said, frowning. Stirring the yogurt in on top of the fruit, she glanced up at him to find him eyeing the concoction with distaste. Don't knock it 'til you've tried it, she said with a small smile.
He jerked slightly and met her eyes. Sorry. I used to eat that sort of thing all the time, he said with a confused expression. Now it grosses you out. She nodded seriously. Tends to happen when you become a vampire. Or so I've heard, she corrected with an apologetic smile.
he murmured, running an hand through his dark hair.
You should hear Ash talk about it. He says that the idea of a vampire eating lettuce is cosmically wrong. She rolled her eyes on a laugh and went back to stirring her yogurt-y fruit.
Anthony smirked back at her. All you need is blood.
Dropping her spoon, Elyssa let her head fall into her the palm of her hand. I can't believe you said that.
Her groaning was cut off by the sound of her phone ringing. Seeing the caller id pop up, she grinned and flicked the button. Sabrina's profile filled the screen as she focused on the road. Hey, what's up?Not much, I'm just on my way to your place, Sabrina told her, not bothering to glance at the phone as she spoke.
Elyssa's attention was caught by a slight movement from Anthony as he tensed. Glancing up, she raised her eyebrows at him. His eyes were carefully neutral and he merely shrugged, shifting his shoulders as if trying to ease a crick in his neck.
Elyssa? Are you still there?What? Yeah. Sorry.Not a problem, Sabrina assured her, directing her comment to the road rather than Elyssa's pixeled image. I said, I'll be there in about fifteen minutes.I'll let security know. See you soon.
Elyssa hung up and returned her eyes to Anthony, frowning. What the heck was that all about? she thought, studying his face. He looked slightly uneasy, as if he was resisting the temptation to roll his shoulders again.
Listen, I gotta run upstairs before the meeting, he said suddenly, standing and shoving his chair back up to the table.
she replied, concern making her frown.
I'll see you at five. she called, but he was already through the kitchen door and moving down the hall with a deceptively casual stride. What the-- she murmured, only to stop herself as Ash appeared in the doorway. she finished with a bright smile.
he said, tossing her a strange look and wandering over to the fridge. Reaching inside, he pulled out the makings of a sandwich and glanced at her again. Elyssa pretended intense interest in her fruit and yogurt. What's up? he asked, eyeing her.
What? Nothing. Suddenly remembering Sabrina's imminent arrival, she stood and grabbed the receiver of the wall phone. Waiting for the security gate to pick up, she ignored Ash's continued study of her. Hi, Charles. I just wanted to let you know that Sabrina should be arriving any minute now.
Elyssa sighed inwardly with relief as she felt Ash's eyes move away from her and back to his sandwich. Thanking the security guard, she hung up the receiver and turned back to the table to start on her snack. Ash quickly joined her after throwing everything back in the fridge. Eyeing the massive sandwich, which seemed to consist of three different meats and an assortment of cheese, Elyssa took another bite of fruit and raised an eyebrow at him.
I'm hungry, he muttered, taking an huge bite out of the sandwich.
Staring at him in disbelief, she scooped up a piece of pear. You don't get hungry, Ash. You're a vampire.What are you, my mother?Meat eater, she muttered, shoving her spoon into her mouth.
Making a face at him, Elyssa opened her backpack and pulled out her math book. As she flipped through the pages, she glanced up at the handsome man across from her. Now that the conference is over, how long are you staying?
Busy chewing, Ash shrugged and set the sandwich down on his plate. Elyssa waited patiently as he took a swig of water and wiped his mouth with a napkin. She had to admit, for a vampire who'd grown up in an enclave he had impeccable table manners.
I'm not sure. I haven't gotten my new assignment yet.No requests for help setting up a new branch?Not yet. But now that the conference is over, I have a feeling we'll be flooded with them soon.
Elyssa quickly ran over the numbers in her mind. That's wonderful. I mean, we already have at least one branch on each continent. At this rate, twenty percent of the Night World will have joined us by the end of this century.Yeah, isn't that-- As his voice stopped abruptly, she came back to earth to find Ash staring at her. Did you just do that math in your head? she said warily, turning back to her textbook.
he muttered, picking up his sandwich again and ignoring the tongue she stuck out at him.
Elyssa looked up to find Nilsson standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Yes, Nilsson?Miss Black's car is pulling through the gates.
Jumping up from the table, Elyssa strode across the room with a smile. Thank you, Nilsson. She quickly hurried out of the room, avoiding glancing at Ash, who was watching her closely.
x xxxx xxxx xxxx x
Sabrina pulled through the gates with a sense of relief. She was practically on autopilot for the familiar drive, knowing that cameras were watching her every move from somewhere in the trees or rose bushes. Bypassing the section of the driveway directly in front of the entrance, Sabrina pulled the car around to the side of the house where it wouldn't be in the way if an agent had to leave quickly.
Sighing, she dragged herself out of the car, not bothering to lock it, and hurried to the front door of the mansion. As she knocked, her eyes traced over the rose patterns in the stained glass windows above the doorway and the wrought iron rose vines over the windows. Even the heavy wooden door boasted deep carvings of the flower.
The door swung open to reveal Nilsson's bland expression and Elyssa's grinning face floating over his shoulder. Sabrina smiled at both of them and prayed that her exhaustion wasn't embarrassingly apparent to Nilsson. Knowing his keen mind and vampiric senses, however, she wasn't holding out much hope.
Nilsson stepped back without a word and motioned for her to enter. As Sabrina started to step inside, she was startled when Elyssa practically shoved the vampire aside to reach the doorway.
Marveling at Nilsson's ability to maintain his neutral expression, she let Elyssa grab her hand and drag her over the threshold into the house.
I'm so glad you're here, Elyssa sighed with satisfaction. I've been so bored this week. Have you finished the essay for Booth's class?
Sabrina glanced over her shoulder to where Nilsson was calmly shutting the door with an almost amused tint to his face. Blinking, she faced Elyssa again. Huh? Oh, no, no I haven't.Same here. I'm doing the comparison Booth suggested, but I'm having trouble finding passages that really express the relative styles of the pieces, Elyssa said, frowning and swinging open the kitchen door.
Sabrina found herself hesitating at the doorway as Elyssa chatted and she tried to will her heart to beat more quietly. Forcing herself into the room, she breathed easier when sight confirmed Anthony's absence. Noticing Ash at the kitchen table with the remains of what appeared to be a gigantic sandwich, she smiled brightly at him, giddy in her relief.
Ash paused in mid bite and glanced between Sabrina and Elyssa as if trying to figure something out. he finally responded, his tone almost suspicious.
Giving him an odd look, she set her backpack on the table and turned back to Elyssa who was opening the fridge. Sabrina took the offered soda and collapsed into a chair with a relaxed smile as Elyssa began chatting again.
Which thesis are you using? Elyssa asked, taking a sip of her coke as she closed her math book and shoved it to the side.
I'm not sure, Sabrina said, fiddling with the tab on her soda can. She could feel Elyssa's gaze on the side of her face and she quickly took another pull of her drink.
Ash swallowed his last bite of sandwich and wiped his mouth with his napkin as he wrinkled his forehead at the girls. You have an essay or something?Yeah, for American lit, Elyssa said, glancing at Ash before looking back at Sabrina. It's due tomorrow.
Sabrina tried to look calm and carefree, but she had a feeling she just looked more tense. I know.You haven't even started it yet, have you? Sometimes Sabrina wished that her best friend didn't know her quite so well. The worry in Elyssa's tone made Sabrina swallow a terse response, instead choosing to focus on her coke.
Ash raised an eyebrow. His eyes flicked over Sabrina's face for a moment before he picked up his plate and walked it to the sink. Well, if you girls need any help with anything, I'm handy with literary analysis. Sabrina said, forcing a smile. Realizing what came next, Sabrina lost interest in her soda and pushed it away, watching condensation run down the side of the can.
As the door swung shut on Ash's departure, Elyssa turned to Sabrina with a determined, yet concerned, expression. What's going on? You never leave your school work to the last minute. Well, she amended at Sabrina's wry look, not the english homework anyway.It's just an essay, Lyss. I'm tired. I forgot to start it.Did you even read the book? You've been soout of it in class this week. Even outside of class. Is everything all right?
Sabrina struggled with her patience and took a deep breath before answering. Lyss, I know you're worried, and I'm sorry. ButI can't explain anything. I just haven't been feeling all that well, I guess. I don't know, she said, roughly tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Before Elyssa could continue her line of questioning, the door opened and Thierry stepped through, a neutral expression on his face. he said, carefully including both girls in his nod.
Afternoon, Thierry, Sabrina said, eyeing him curiously. What's up with him?
Elyssa cocked her head to the side and smiled. Sabrina, how have you been? It's been a while since your last visit.
Smiling tentatively, Sabrina nodded a little. I've been all right. How bout you, Thierry?Fine, thank you. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to speak to you for a moment. Would you come with me?
Sabrina blinked in surprise and out of the corner of her eye she saw Elyssa glance at her sharply. Um, sure. Standing from the table, she wiped her still damp hand on her jeans and nervously smoothed a hand over her hair.
As Sabrina made her way across the kitchen, Thierry sent Elyssa a reassuring smile, taking care that Sabrina didn't see it. Holding the door open for Sabrina, he managed a much smaller smile for the brunette as she passed him. The girls shared one last confused look before Thierry let the door swing shut and began walking down the hall.
Following him silently, Sabrina frowned as Thierry paused to push open the door to his office and motioned for her to proceed him. She stepped through and waited for him to close the door before speaking.
Thierry, what's this about? she asked, turning to watch him as he strode across his office towards his desk. She froze as she noticed the occupant of the chair in front of Thierry's desk. You've got to be kidding me.
Sabrina, please sit down, Thierry said, gesturing to the second guest chair as he seated himself behind the desk.
So much for being in control of the situation. Sabrina stiffly moved across the room and perched herself on the edge of the seat cushion. Glancing at Anthony out of the corner of her eye, she saw him shift restlessly, as if afraid they would accidentally touch across the three feet between their chairs. Tamping down on the urge to roll her eyes, Sabrina casually crossed her legs and settled herself more comfortably, waiting for Thierry to speak.
I believe, he began pleasantly, that we have a problem.
Sabrina felt her breath catch and noticed that Anthony stilled next to her. Here we go, Sabrina thought on an inward sigh.
I hear that you two don't get along very well, he continued, never losing his pleasant tone. Is that true? Silence. Sabrina squirmed in her chair. The vampire tilted his head to the side and glanced away.
The general consensus seems to be that you two hate each other's breathing guts, he said blandly and Sabrina felt a distant spark of amusement. Happening to glance over at Anthony at the same moment he turned towards her, she saw the same spark in his eyes as their gazes caught. Each registering the other's glance, they quickly turned away again with matching scowls.
She could have talked to me about it before she went to Thierry, Sabrina thought. Then, she reminded herself that Elyssa really couldn't have spoken to her. In fact, she might have tried to talk about the lingering belligerence and Sabrina never would have noticed. Her mind hadn't exactly been present for the past week.
Frankly, I can understand how Sabrina might not like you very much, Anthony, since she is aware of the details of the kidnapping. But considering the remorse you've displayed for the incident, I wouldn't predict you matching her belligerence. Especially since you obviously enjoy Elyssa's company and Sabrina and Elyssa are inseparable. It seems to be in your best interest to foster at least a tolerant if not friendly relationship with Elyssa's best friend.
So, I've been asking myself, why would you want to maintain such a harsh relationship between the two of you? Silence was his only answer, and Thierry waited a moment before resuming his speech. Then, Elyssa recounted the events from the basement to me and I managed to put two and two together and not get five again. But is this really the way you want to deal with it? What are your long term plans?
Sabrina felt her eyes narrow in concentration. Somehow she'd lost the train of this conversation and she felt like she was wandering around without her contacts. Beside her, Anthony ran a rough hand through his hair. We don't have any and we won't be making any. We're not going to do anything about it. Sabrina asked, glancing between the two men. We're not going to do anything about what?
A tense silence filled the room as both men froze, becoming inhumanly still. Sabrina felt the hair stand on the back of her neck and tried to not shiver noticeably. Thierry stared at her and then leaned back in his chair, his eyes swiveling to focus on Anthony. You didn't tell her? he asked quietly.
Tell me what? Anthony just looked towards the bay windows at the far end of the office.
As she watched, Thierry's gaze went silver and Anthony's head turned to meet it as if unwilling. Their eyes met and held for several moments until Anthony looked away. He didn't turn to look at her, but Sabrina sensed he was going to address her and raised an eyebrow at the side of his face. We're soulmates.
Sabrina blinked and immediately ruined the drama of the moment by laughing. she asked still giggling.
Having turned in shock at her reaction, Anthony stared at her like she was an idiot. We're soulmates.No we're not, she contradicted him confidently. Glancing at Thierry for backup, she faltered at the sympathetic expression on his face as he watched her. No. I mean, soulmates have to like each other. Anthony shut his eyes and turned away again. Sabrina asked. Neither man answered her and she let her eyes bounce between them for a few silent moments as their announcement began to sink in to her mind. Her eyes fell to her lap where her hand was picking at the cuticle of her opposite thumb as she tried to process this new information.
Sabrina, what happened when you touched Anthony's hand? she asked inanely, reaching up with her damaged hand to brush the hair out of her eyes.
In the basement.I fainted, she said tersely, tucking the stubborn strand of hair back behind her ear.
Nothing else? Thierry prompted, ducking to catch her eyes.
Again she faltered as she felt Anthony watching her from the corner of his eye. I--I think that my vision dimmed a little before my knees gave out, she said, trying to untangle the confused memories. Everything looked slightly Surprised, her eyes jerking up to meet Thierry's. Wariness crept into her tone as she asked, How did you know that?It's one of the signs, Thierry told her gently.
she repeated faintly, shaking her head.
When soulmates touch, certain physical and mental reactions occur. A few are common among all soulmates. One is the pink haze they see. Another is that the soulmate connection makes all humans temporarily telepathic.
So it was true. Anthonyand sheThey wereHesitantly, she tried saying the words to herself. Anthony is my soulmate. She mentally blanched. Swallowing, she tried to find comfort in the knowledge that she'd actually found her soulmate. So many people never did.
Anthony sighed loudly. Why did you even call this meeting? I mean, if you'd figured it out, why go through the melodrama? It's not as if either of us are going to do anything about it.
Breaking out of her daze long enough to glare at him, Sabrina folded her hands tightly on her lap, thinking, Jerk. He could have at least told me.
Thierry said calmly. You're upsetting Elyssa. And not to be cliché, but that upsets me.
The anger rushed out of her, leaving her body to collapse in on the resulting emptiness and sag into the chair. Anthony didn't move next to her.
I can't make the two of you like each other, Thierry said, refolding his fingers. If you two really can't get along, then by all means, fight away. I can't stop you by force. But the rest of us would appreciate it if you would at least try not to argue in public. Specifically not at meetings.
Embarrassment burned in Sabrina's cheeks and made her heart thump hard in her chest. She tried not to look at Anthony as she clenched her fingers tightly together in her lap. I'm sorry, Thierry. Her voice came out little louder than a whisper.
It's all right, Sabrina. No harm done. It's actually fairly common with soulmate couples to have a volatile relationship.We don't have a relationship, Anthony muttered, running his hand through his hair.
The sting of his rejection caught her by surprise. She did, after all, reciprocate the sentiment. Lifting her chin, she set her jaw and met Thierry's gaze. I can't make any promises, Thierry. But I'll try my best to be civil to Cousin It, she said, jerking her head to indicate Anthony who rolled his eyes upward and lifted his hands as if to say why me?
Thierry blinked in shock as, without even a dismissal, both of his quarries simply jumped to their feet and stalked across the room to the door, shooting each other angry glares. Upon reaching the door, Anthony sarcastically stepped back and gestured for her to proceed. Sabrina flung the door open with so much force that Anthony almost got a face-full of wood before he caught it and followed her out, slamming it behind him.
A moment passed before Thierry roused himself and glanced around the room. What just happened here? he murmured to the walls.
x xxxx xxxx xxxx x
Reviews for Chapter 2:
Yavanna and SunStar-Yeah, Anthony's grief over Soleil is kind of the crux of many problems. Well, that and the fact that he and Sabrina can't seem to stop fighting. Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you liked the story.
Piscean Wisdom-I know. It was really a very silly wasn't it? But, thankfully, she seems to have moved on to a different plan! Thanks for reviewing.
incarnated soul-The room is gone from the plot for now. I actually had a story arc surrounding it, but I'm not sure I want to put it in. After reading what I'd written on it, it just seemed to draw attention away from Sabrina and Anthony's story.
Terriah-Yeah, I dunno how that weirdness happened. :-p
Dogs die in hot cars-As I told incarnated soul, I swear there really was a reason she took him to the room--I had to work it into the plot--but I've decided to cut the arc out for now. It may come back into play later, but I don't know. Thanks for the review! Hope you liked the new chapters.
Tenshinangel-Hi! Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you enjoyed Come Again? and decided to continue with this one. I hope you liked the new chapters.